7 Gifts for Campers

Unsure what to buy for the outdoorsy people in your life this holiday? Check out these seven gift ideas for campers from a veteran outdoorswoman, mom and camping expert.

It is said that the holidays are the most wonderful time of year. But if you are trying to buy a present for someone who likes camping, it can be hard to know where to start.

Stress no further, keep reading for some Christmas ideas for any budget and campers of any age. 

7 Gift Ideas for Campers

1. Hammocks

Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) has been making amazing hammocks since 1999. Over the last 25 years, their brand has expanded to include accessories such as bug nets, rain tarps and even camping chairs.

We have personally been using their products for six years, and with two kids and two dogs let me assure you they are durable. 

We tested out the Parklite Hammock Chair Stand ($139) on our recent camping trip and loved it.

It comes with its own carrying case, sewn-in, easy-to-follow instructions and is simple to set up with our ENO hammocks. I liked how portable and lightweight the stand was, and that it allowed us to use the hammocks with or without trees. 

ENO has just launched their newest line of products in time for Christmas, which will include their newest Doubleloft Hammock Chair ($250) built for two people. This chair can be used with a stand in the backyard, around a campfire or between trees using the included straps. 

2. Camping Tablesets & Utensils

Our family has tested many brands and found that GSI Outdoors is durable. My husband and I have been camping with our first set of GSI stackable plates and cups since 2008. 

We recently upgraded to the Infinity 4 Person Compact Tableset ($52.95) and could not have been more pleased. The set comes with four plates, four cups, four mugs, four bowls and a mesh stuff sack. 

You might be thinking there isn’t room for all this at camp, but it packs down small and all fits in the stuff sack. This would be a great first set of dishes for a family of campers, but solo campers can also use them as a one-person mess kit. 

3. A Pour Over Coffee Kit

Another Christmas idea for campers is the VSSL Nest Pour Over Coffee kit ($80). This coffee kit comes in five colors and quickly assembles into one compact system. 

The kit includes two mugs, a pour-over dripper and a storage connector.  When assembled, it weighs just over a pound.

You can also upgrade to the kit that includes the grinder for an additional $165. This system is meant to travel and delivers superb coffee in the woods or on the go. 

4. Sleeping Bags

Recently, both my kids outgrew their sleeping bags, and we upgraded them to Big Agnes Echo Park Series ($209). 

These bags come in 0, 20, or 35-degree options, making them perfect for any climate. The bags are wide and not constricting like a mummy bag, but still maintain their warmth.

The hood of the bag has a pocket for your camping pillow so it won’t move or slip out from underneath you at night, and the sleeping pad is easy to attach to the bottom of the bag. 

The bag's list a user height of 6 feet 6 inches, but my daughter, who is 4 feet 11 inches, still stays warm in the bag despite the difference in height. 

5. Camping Fire Pit

Camping in the fall and winter usually revolves around the fire. However, not all campsites come with fire pits, and those that do are not always well-maintained. 

An excellent idea for campers is a Summit Fire Pit from Solo Stove ($479). 

This all-new fire pit is advertised as having the tallest, brightest flame of any of their previous models and lighting three times faster. Solo Stoves are wood-burning fire pits, and the Summit Fire Pit is easily transportable, weighing only 35 pounds. 

It has a built-in stand and can be used on many different surfaces. There is also a carrying case ($69) that is sold separately, which makes it even easier to transport.  

6. Entertainment

I get asked a lot about what our kids like to do for entertainment at camp. If you have a child who likes to camp, I highly recommend the GSI Travel Hook n’Ring Set.

This is a tabletop game for two players, with rings attached to a rope that they swing to try to land the ring on a hook. For every hook, the player will advance the pin away from them, aiming to move it three places without the opponent advancing it back. The game costs $45 and packs down into its own carrying case. 

Another game my kids like at camp is Poetry for Neanderthals ($20).

This game can be played in groups where players get their team to guess a phrase on the card using only one-syllable words. It's more complicated than you would think, and if a player messes up, another player gets to whack them with the inflatable bat (included). 

Final Thoughts on Gifts for Campers

This holiday season, don’t fret if you have a camper on your list to buy for. Our family has personally tried each item on the list and can’t wait for you to try them out.